Sound intensity as a function of distance from source

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of sound intensity as a function of frequency and displacement from a speaker. The original poster presents a scenario where the intensity of a sound wave is given, and they seek to determine the new intensity after changing the frequency and doubling the displacement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use a specific formula for intensity but expresses uncertainty about their calculations. Some participants question the correctness of the frequency values provided, while others discuss the relationship between amplitude, frequency, and intensity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's approach and questioning the assumptions made regarding frequency values. There is an exploration of how changes in amplitude and frequency affect intensity, but no consensus has been reached on the correct interpretation or calculation method.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the stated frequencies and the implications of doubling both amplitude and frequency on intensity. The original poster's calculations and the specific values used are also under scrutiny.

glasshut137
Messages
23
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement

THe intensity of a sound wave at a fixed distance from a speaker vibrating at 1.24 kHz is .388 W/m^2.
Calculate the intensity if the frequency is reduced to 2.64 kHz and the displacement is doubled.

used I=.5p(w^2)(A^2)v for the initial and the new intensity. I ended up with
4I0(f/f0)^2=I plugging in the numbers didn't get me the right answwer. can someone tell me what I am doing wrong. thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
glasshut137 said:

Homework Statement

THe intensity of a sound wave at a fixed distance from a speaker vibrating at 1.24 kHz is .388 W/m^2.
Calculate the intensity if the frequency is reduced to 2.64 kHz and the displacement is doubled. /QUOTE]

Could you check the values you've posted here? You're saying that the frequency was reduced from 1.24 kHz to 2.64 Hz? Is this second frequency correct?
 
yeah the problem is stated that way which is why i think i keep getting the wrong answer.
 
You still haven't shown how you actually did the calculation or what the answer is claimed to be. The equation you have is for the power of a wave (I presume the 'p' represents density of the medium); since the distance is kept fixed, the intensity will change in the same proportion as the power. With both the amplitude and the frequency doubled, the power of the wave and the intensity at the specific distance should quadruple.
 
dynamicsolo said:
With both the amplitude and the frequency doubled, the power of the wave and the intensity at the specific distance should quadruple.

Well, that's teach me to write some of these comments too late at night. Doubling each of those two factors will increase the power (and intensity at fixed distance) by a factor of 4, so doubling both will give an increase by a factor of 16.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K